Kathmandu. Replying to a question and answer session of the House of Representatives today, Health Minister Pradeep Poudel pointed out the need to integrate all health service programmes of the government into the Health Insurance Board. He said that if all the health programs are integrated in the insurance board, cheap, accessible and free treatment can be ensured to the poor.

Health Minister Poudel opined that all the programs should be included in the Health Insurance Board as the health treatment expenses have not been allocated under various heads. He also stressed the need for merging the amount spent through social security fund and provident fund with the insurance board.

Minister Poudel shared that a programme would be initiated from the current fiscal year to identify, prevent, control and raise awareness about non-communicable diseases and mental health problems by conducting screening at the community level. He stressed the need to increase investment in health care management, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative services to reduce the increasing personal expenditure.

Stating that there are weaknesses in the management of specialized human resources in health sector, Minister Poudel opined that investment should be increased to enhance their efficiency, proper subsistence allowance and increase production. He said 2,500 human resources would be added this year and capacity would be increased by expanding government hospitals to 500 beds.